Cutting Edge Technologies

Argos/GPS

Incorporating GPS capabilities into our Argos Doppler transmitters in 2001 opened up vast possibilities for bird tracking. The highly accurate GPS locations made these PTTs also suitable for habitat studies. We have come a long way since that first 70g PTT and now offer Argos/GPS PTTs as light as 22g. These PTTs utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance data collection. Our GPS PTTs are microprocessor controlled to allow for optimum battery charge management with night transmissions. Incorporation of our SiV™ technology optimizes the transmission schedule for the new JTA schedule, reducing costs. Additional options include Ground Track (GT™), Battery Assist and Battery Backup for GT™. More Information

SiV™ - Satellite-in-View

We have been asked many times over the years whether it would be possible to save valuable battery life and not waste transmissions by only activating the PTT when a satellite is in view above the horizon. In 2000, the availability of tiny real time clocks and very powerful low current microprocessors, which can be programmed to predict when the satellites will pass over, made it possible for us to develop a new module that replaced the traditional duty cycle timer with one that activates the PTT only at times when the satellites are most likely to be in view. SiV™ is a standard feature on our Argos/GPS PTTs and Archival Pop-up Tags which upload large quantities of data to the satellites.

GT™ - Ground Track

Finding lost PTTs can be a difficult and time-consuming activity for biologists. In 2003, to help in recovery of PTTs, we introduced our Ground Track GT™ feature, which switches your PTT into a conventional tracking transmitter when mortality is sensed. This eliminates the need to attach a separate VHF transmitter to your PTT or have a separate antenna dangling from the animal, thus removing the potential for interference with the PTT functions.More information

Fish Tag Constant Depth Release Feature

All of our standard rate fish tags are equipped with an automatic release feature whereby the tag pops off and begins to transmit to Argos if it senses that it has been at a constant depth for a predetermined length of time. This is to initiate release and transmission of data when a fish is dead or a tag is detached. Tags that detach and float around for months before the programmed data transmission time have a poorer reporting rate; the opportunities for the tag to be eaten, covered in growth, washed up on a beach or otherwise damaged reduce the chances of getting the archived data. More information

Emergency Release

All pop-up tags include programming that initiates the release mechanism (and subsequent Argos transmission) to ensure that the crush depth (2500m) is never reached, thereby protecting the valuable archived dataset. The default setting for activation of the Emergency Release is 1250m. Please contact us if you think your study species will go beyond this depth.